New Leicester City star Timothy Castagne has admitted Brendan Rodgers ‘played a big role’ in bringing him to the club.
The Belgian made the move to the Kingpower Stadium this summer, signing from Italian side Atalanta on a five-year deal as the Foxes looked to add to their fullback options following Ben Chilwell’s move to Chelsea.
The move was something of a surprise given Atalanta can offer Champions League football this season, something Leicester cannot.
The 24-year-old, though, says Rodgers’ determination and the chance to complete a ‘dream’ move to the Premier League proved too tempting.
“I liked the style of play, the pressing that the club puts on. It reminds a bit of Atalanta,” he told La Tribune.
“And then it’s the championship that I dream of since I was little. The coach also played a big role.
“He has been following me for a long time, and he gave me a very good impression when I spoke to him before making my choice.
“It was important for me to have a coach who talks a lot, a bit like Martinez in the national team.”
Castagne made a flying start to life in England this weekend, rising highest to head home in the 56th minute to hand Leicester the lead in an eventual 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.
The goal was certainly a surprise, with Castagne, Leicester’s right-back on the day, not the player you’d expect to be on the end of an attacking move.
It seems Rodgers is due praise again, though, with the right-back revealing that it was the Leicester manager’s tactical nous that led to his goal.
“The coach changed his tactics a bit so that I could have more offensive moments than the left-back,” he added.
“He knows that I run a lot and that I propel myself forward. He makes sure that I can do it as much as possible even in a four-man defence.”
